7 benefits of BIM construction

With any building project, there are going to be hiccups. It’s just part of the process. While you can’t predict the future, being organized and ready for anything can give you a head start. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is designed in such a way that you can take advantage of that head start and finish a project sooner and safer.

What is BIM construction?

You may have heard the term BIM around the built environment industry, but what exactly is it? BIM is the process and structure for the management of information through the entire life cycle of a built asset. It can add benefits from initial design, construction, maintenance, all the way through to decommissioning, via digital modeling. This management allows for projects to be completed quickly and efficiently, keep project costs down, and improve the operations of an asset over its life.

It has grown in popularity over the years since its inception in 1973 and has become one of the most used modeling processes across the planet. It has transformed the building industry and has been made to make construction job processes more collaborative and transparent. It has been used in America for several decades, and is only growing in popularity. In fact, the state of Wisconsin even requires the use of BIM on publicly-funded jobs that surpass $5 million.

7 benefits of BIM construction

BIM has many benefits that can improve the efficiency, cost, and overall management of a construction project. .

Learn more about the benefits of BIM construction:

1. Improved safety
2. Increased productivity and delivery speed
3. Reduced uncertainty
4. Organized scheduling
5. Lower risk and cost
6. Reduced on-site waste
7. Prevention of errors

Improved safety

The biggest priority on any construction project should be safety. BIM makes it easier than ever to look out for your workers. Thanks to digital visuals, project leaders now have the ability to locate potential hazards or problems before they arise on-site. Since they can visualize the planning site in advance, there is more time to ensure that every environment is safe before construction begins.

Increased productivity and delivery speed

Collaboration can make or break a project. Since BIM keeps collaboration top of mind, it leads to increased productivity and overall delivery speed. Teams work together to make sure a project gets off the ground quickly and keeps things running smoothly from the very beginning stages through to delivery.

Reduced uncertainty

Taking proactive steps in the early stages of any project can help ensure it moves efficiently. Since BIM allows for project leaders to start planning a project long before any workers are on-site, there is time to work through potential issues so that when building starts, construction teams know what they are in for.

Organized scheduling

Another tactic that can help the project move along smoothly is taking the time to make sure the schedule plans are organized and efficient. It seems simple, but this single tactic could very well be one of the biggest selling points of BIM. Without organized scheduling or planning a project can fall apart before it even starts. BIM works with you and your team to make sure your plans get off the ground without a hitch and helps you stay on schedule throughout the build.

Lower risk and cost

BIM allows for opportunities to not only lower cost, but also to lower risk for workers. Its intuitive nature allows for organizations to avoid rework costs since it can plan out a project ahead of time. Having insight into what will work on a project and what won’t, saves money, yes, but it also keeps workers safe on the job.

Reduced on-site waste

Another large benefit of BIM is the fact that it reduces the amount of on-site waste. It’s no secret that construction waste is a problem. By utilizing BIM, you can plan early and figure out exactly what a project requires before you start building, meaning using less in overall supplies. BIM can assist in making the built environment space more sustainable. For example, the city of Los Angeles had a large community college project (LACCD) that utilized BIM to ensure the project would be more sustainable. In turn, LACCD saved $2.2 million in overall utilities with a $1.3 million reduction in terms of photovoltaics. This resulted in 12.2% annual renewable electrical consumption.

Prevention of errors

The beauty of working in the digital age is the benefit of being able to visualize a project in the early stages instead of having to rely on blueprints. This allows users to see possibilities for errors and rectify them before they even start building. This act leads to additional savings and additional time.

Learn More: Building Information Modeling | BSI Canada 

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